Deadline reminder: To list an event happening in Greater Haverhill, submit no later than 10 days before The Haverhill Gazette's Thursday publication date. Listings run as space allows.

Thursday, Feb. 4

Book sale begins: The Friends of the Haverhill Public Library book sale begins today from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The sale will continue Friday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All books are $.25 to $2. The books are on sale for $2 per bag on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tupelo Night of Comedy: Featuring Tony V, Paul Keenan and Tom Clark at the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury. Tickets are $15. Call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com. Doors open 90 minutes before show times.

fRIDAY, feb. 5

Book sale: The Friends of the Haverhill Public Library book sale continues today from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All books are $.25 to $2. The books are on sale for $2 per bag on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Teen knitting club: From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the teen zone at the Haverhill Public Library. If you enjoy knitting or have always wanted to learn, join the club. Registration is required for first-time attendees. Crocheters are also welcome, though no instruction will be provided. Open to students in grades 5 through 12. To register, contact Alissa Lauzon at 978-373-1586 x650 or at alauzon@mvlc.org.

Spotlight Playhouse presents Neil Simon's Rumors: Today at 8 p.m. Doors open one half hour before showtime. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and are available at 978-380-8509. The shows will be performed at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St. For more information, visit www.spotlightplayhouse.org.

Faculty Chamber Music at Phillips Academy: At 7:30 p.m., the Phillips Academy Music Department will present a concert of Faculty Chamber Music featuring an All Russian Program. Performing are: Barbara Kilduff-O'Farrell, soprano, and Laura Teplitsky, piano, performing works by Tchaikovsky; Jan Muller-Szeraws, cello, and Stephen Porter, piano, performing Prokofiev's Cello Sonata; and Roksana Sudol, violin, Jan Muller-Szeraws, cello, and Diane Lim, piano, performing Shostakovich's Piano Trio in E Minor, Op. 67. The concert is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Timken Room at Graves Hall on the Andover campus. The concert is free and open to the public. Graves Hall is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 978-749-4263 or email music@andover.edu.

Steve Kidd performs at Pentucket Regional Middle School: West Newbury native Steve Kidd performs his one-man show "Sigh/Omelas" at the Pentucket Regional Middle School. The 90-minute show starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, 20 Main St. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. Kidd is a Pentucket alumnus who created buzz locally with his humorous yet thought-provoking commencement speech at last year's high school graduation. Hosted by the non-profit Pentucket Fine and Performing Arts Foundation.

The Fools/Fortune in Salisbury: At the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury. Tickets are $20. Call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com. Doors open 90 minutes before show times.

Saturday, feb. 6

Book sale: The Friends of the Haverhill Public Library book sale continues today from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Monday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The books are on sale for $2 per bag.

Artists reception at Wicked Big: Former Nantucket artist Anne Beaulieu, who has a home and studio in Haverhill, premieres a series of oil paintings during January and February at Haverhill's Wicked Big Café at 19 Essex St. Coffee reception is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spotlight Playhouse presents "Neil Simon's Rumors:" Today at 8 p.m. Doors open one half hour before showtime. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and are available at 978-380-8509. The shows will be performed at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St. For more information, visit www.spotlightplayhouse.org.

New England Winter Blues Festival: At the Tupelo Music Hall in Salisbury, featuing Mr. Nick and the Dirty Tricks, The Racky Thomas Band, The Radio Kings, Ryan Hartt and the Blue Harts. Tickets are $22. Call 978-462-5888 or visit www.tupelohall.com. Doors open 90 minutes before show times.

Winter Weather Wonders Walk: A free outdoor program from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for all ages at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport. Space is limited, register early. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Group will meet in parking lot #4, Hellcat Trail Loop Area. To register, visit parkerriver.fws.gov.

Haverhill Firefighting Museum: At 75 Kenoza Ave., open 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday, group visits available by appointment. Call 978-372-4061.

SUNDAY, Feb. 7

"Neil Simon's Rumors:" Today at 2 p.m. Doors open one half hour before showtime. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and are available at 978-380-8509. The shows will be performed at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St. For more information, visit www.spotlightplayhouse.org.

Ice Fishing Derby: From 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at end of Lake Avnue on Pentucket Pond, Georgetown. Cash prizes for heaviest, longest and first trout. Admission is $15 for seniors and $10 for juniors. Hosted by the Georgetown Fish and Game Club. Contact Bob Ohanley at 978-994-0462 or ss454truck@aol.com for more information.

Summer Fair at Phillips Academy: Phillips Academy in Andover will host its 20th annual Summer Opportunity Fair on Sunday, Feb. 7, from noon until 2 p.m. in the Smith Center on the Andover campus. Admission is free to all at noon; academy students may begin to . The event will be open to PA students only at 11 a.m. The fair gives students and their families a chance to meet with representatives from more than 80 local, national and international summer programs as well as gap-year programs. For information, call the Summer Opportunities office at 978-749-4480. Or visit the Summer Opportunities website at www.andover.edu/summerops/fair.

Girls Scout PJ Hour: Girl Scouts Troop 195 presents PJ Story Hour from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the GAR Memorial Library, 490 Main St. in West Newbury. For ages 3 to 7. Pajamas are optional.

monday, FEB. 8

Book sale: The Friends of the Haverhill Public Library book sale concludes today from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The books are $2 per bag.

Tuesday, Feb. 9

Business assistance: Service Corps of Retired Executives — SCORE — offers free, confidential help to individuals starting a business or already in business from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce temporary office in the Landmark Building, Merrimack Street.

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10

Civil War roundtable: The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road, Route 1, in Salisbury. The topic will be "Mary Surratt and the Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln" presented by historian and author Kate Clifford Larson. Admission is free and anyone with an interest in America's Civil War is invited to attend. For more information, call Tom at 978-462-8518.

Live music: Pianist Bob Allison hosts a piano bar with classic songs from the Great American Song Book on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., performing with the Lighthouse Trio and Friends show the first Wednesday of every month, at Hobo's Cafe, 5 Broadway, Salisbury Beach. No cover charge. Call 978-255-2558 or visit www.CasablancaPiano.com.

Line-dancing classes: At All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. All are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Call 978-374-6001.

Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters will hold weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill starting Jan. 6. Classes meet Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $65 for four classes, which are limited to eight students. Drop-in sessions are $15 each, but require that you call for availability. All levels from beginner to expert in knitting and crochet are welcome to participate. Registration is required. Plum Island Knitters supports the Katydid Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps adults with autism and operates a home in Haverhill. Gift certificates for classes in Haverhill and Newburyport are available. For more information, call 978-255-1130 or e-mail PIKnitters@comcast.net. Visit online at www.PIKnitters.com

REUNIONS

Class of 1950: The Haverhill High/Trade School Class of 1950 60-year reunion will be June 19 and 20 at the Haverhill Country Club. A cocktail hour, followed by dinner, will be Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. Brunch will be Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Bob Conte at 978-373-6931 or Carole (DeFelice) Lanseigne at 978-372-6767.

Haverhill High, Trade and St. James High School Class of 1945: 65th class reunion banquet on Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Michael's Function Hall in Haverhill. Cost is $30 per person. For more information, call Attilio Carbone at 978-373-5756 or Michael Der Boghosian at 978-373-3597.

Retired Whittier Vocational High School teachers and employees: Any retired employees and teachers from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School interested in planning or attending a reunion should call Phil McCaughey at 978-372-9236 or George Manghis at 321-720-3673.

USS Columbus shipmates reconnect: Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus (CA-74/CG-12) from 1944 through 1976 and the USS Columbus SSN-762 past and present who would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends or make new ones, contact Allen R. Hope at 260-486-2221 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time or e-mail hope4391@comcast.net.

arts

Faculty Chamber Music at Phillips Academy: On Friday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m., the Phillips Academy Music Department will present a concert of Faculty Chamber Music featuring an All Russian Program. Performing are: Barbara Kilduff-O'Farrell, soprano, and Laura Teplitsky, piano, performing works by Tchaikovsky; Jan Muller-Szeraws, cello, and Stephen Porter, piano, performing Prokofiev's Cello Sonata; and Roksana Sudol, violin, Jan Muller-Szeraws, cello, and Diane Lim, piano, performing Shostakovich's Piano Trio in E Minor, Op. 67. The concert is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Timken Room at Graves Hall on the Andover campus. The concert is free and open to the public. Graves Hall is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 978-749-4263 or email music@andover.edu.

Artists reception at Wicked Big: Former Nantucket artist Anne Beaulieu, who now has a home and studio in Haverhill, and is known for her stone sculpture, premieres her series of oil paintings during January and February at Haverhill's Wicked Big Café at 19 Essex Street. The café is "Wicked Big" and so are four of the paintings exhibited: Four-foot by five-foot. Three of these colorful, bold paintings line the back wall of the café and catch the eye of the viewer upon entering. Join the artist for a coffee reception on Saturday, February 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate her return to painting after years of focus on her sculpture in alabaster, marble, soapstone and granite. Beaulieu currently exhibits stone carvings from her "Washashore" series at the Walsingham Gallery in Newburyport, MA. She is a former member of the Artists Association of Nantucket and the Newburyport Art Association. Beaulieu received an award during a 2007 juried show at the Newburyport Art Association for her sculpture, Fragile-of the Washashore series and now on display at the Walsingham Gallery.

Live music: Pianist Bob Allison hosts a piano bar with classic songs from the Great American Song Book on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., performing with the Lighthouse Trio and Friends show the first Wednesday of every month, at Hobo's Cafe, 5 Broadway, Salisbury Beach. No cover charge. Call 978-255-2558 or visit www.CasablancaPiano.com.

Spotlight Playhouse presents Neil Simon's Rumors: On Feb. 5, Feb. 6, Feb. 12, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. Doors open one half hour before showtime. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and are available at 978-380-8509. The shows will be performed at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St. For more information, visit www.spotlightplayhouse.org.

Art in the Mill: UNH Manchester will feature the photography of Andrew Lathrop of Milford n its second floor gallery from Jan. 25 through April 26. The public is welcome to attend an artist reception on Monday, Feb. 1, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on UNH Manchester's second floor at 400 Commercial St. Light refreshments will be served.

Through his photography, Andrew Lathrop captures events as they unwind, both in nature and in life. Attempting to showcase what helps to make New Hampshire's local farms great, both big and small was the driving force behind his exhibit at UNH Manchester. Lathrop hopes some of the imagery will help to inspire people to spend some time exploring local farms and farmers markets to see what new and unusual things are right around the corner. Spending time wandering around these and other local institutions and attractions with his wife, Elizabeth, and their dog helped provide inspiration for both his photography and his life.

Activities

Friends of the Arc - Friends for Life event: The Friends of The Arc Committee have invited all members and supporters of The Arc Family to join them in celebrating Friends for Life at Maria's Restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be served and Lenny DesMarais will provide piano music. The evening is to honor the accomplishments and determination of the individuals The Arc supports while they realize their dreams.

Haverhill Democrats to caucus: Registered Democrats for all seven wards in Haverhill will caucus at the Haverhill Citizen Center on Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. to elect delegates and alternates to the 2010 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. The convention will be on June 4 and June 5 at the DCU Center in Worcester. At that time, Democrats from across the state will gather to endorse statewide candidates. The caucus is open to all registered Democrats in Haverhill. All ballots will be written and secret. Those not elected as delegates and alternates may apply to be add-on delegates in the following categories: Youth, minority and disabled. A short business meeting of the Haverhill Democratic City Committee to discuss upcoming events will follow the caucus. Anyone seeking further information can call Bill Cox, chairman of the Haverhill Democratic City Committee, at 978-374-6297.

Valentine's Reception: The Stevens Estate together with A Day to Remember Catering invite you to attend their "Thank You" Valentine's Reception on Friday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Complimentary hors d'ouevres, music and door prizes. A cash bar will be available. Please RSVP by calling Laura Gifford at 978-682-7072 or email thestevensestate@verizon.net. Attendance will be limited to the first 125 who register.

Eight-Free Kick Cancer Celebration: This year's 4th annual event, celebrating Tara Ryan Byrne's 8 years of being cancer free, will be held Thursday, Feb. 18 from 6 p.m. to midnight at J.P. McBride's in Haverhill. The event benefits The Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Over the past the years, the event has collected $60,000 to donate to The Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber.

Free tax preparation: IRS certified VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance to low- to moderate-income individuals and families at Community Action Inc., 145 Essex St., beginning Jan. 30 and extending through Saturday, April 4. Federal and Massachusetts state returns will be E-filed. Dates for preparation are tentatively scheduled for Monday mornings, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Marilyn Luther at 978-373-1971, ext. 285, or Marge Hooper at 978-373-1971, ext 227. Call to take advantage of Child Tax Credit, EITC, education credits and to see if you qualify for this free tax preparation.

Pottery classes for all ages and abilities: Purple Sage Pottery in Merrimac offers classes for all ages and abilities with the next session beginning the week of Jan. 4. Adult classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kids classes are split into two age groups, with the 8 to 12 year old class running on Tuesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and the 12 to 18 year old class on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The adult classes are taught by Purple Sage Pottery owner Iris Minc and North Shore potters Beth Bell, Anni Melancon, Lisa Mistretta and Lisa Victoria. The children's classes are taught by Lisa Mistretta and Meryl Goldsmith. Complete class details and information on each instructor are listed online at www.purplesagepottery.com. For more information, you may also call the studio, located at 3 Mechanic St. in Merrimac, Ma at 978-346-9978.

Beginner internet classes at library: Learn your way around the Internet by taking free beginning Internet classes offered by the Haverhill Public Library. These classes are small, offer individual attention and hands-on practice and are approximately two hours long. You do not have to own a computer to participate but you are welcome to come with your own wireless enabled laptop. For dates, times and other information, please drop by the Reference and Information desk at the library, or call 978-373-1586, ext. 608.

Business assistance: Service Corps of Retired Executives — SCORE — offers free, confidential help to individuals starting a business or already in business. Sessions are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Until the Chamber's home at 87 Winter St. is rehabilitated, sessions will be in the Chamber's temporary office in the Landmark Building, Merrimack Street.

Line-dancing classes: At All Saints Parish, 120 Bellevue Ave., 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. All are welcome. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Call 978-374-6001.

Art workshop: Mark Hayden and Joan Rademacher offer art lessons at the First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford, 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All are welcome. A $5 contribution is appreciated. Call 978-374-1114.

Greater Haverhill Poets Society: The Poets Society meets the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at Haverhill Public Library. New members are always welcome.

Knitting and crocheting classes: Plum Island Knitters will hold weekly classes at All Saints Church in Haverhill starting Jan. 6. Classes meet Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $65 for four classes, which are limited to eight students. Drop-in sessions are $15 each, but require that you call for availability. All levels from beginner to expert in knitting and crochet are welcome to participate. Registration is required. Plum Island Knitters supports the Katydid Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps adults with autism and operates a home in Haverhill. Gift certificates for classes in Haverhill and Newburyport are available. For more information, call 978-255-1130 or e-mail PIKnitters@comcast.net. Visit online at www.PIKnitters.com

Yoga classes: Caring Hands Center for Massage and Wellbeing offers yoga classes for all levels of experience at its new yoga studio at 55 Wingate St. The first class is free and packages are available. To register, call Cindy Brown at 978-835-8497 or e-mail yoga4stressreduction@yahoo.com. Class schedule: Mondays, all levels yoga class from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, beginners yoga classes from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and from 7 to 8:15 p.m.; Thursdays, all levels yoga class from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; Saturdays, all levels yoga class from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

Auditions

Merrimack Valley Players, 12 Angry Jurors: Auditions are Monday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. for actors 18 and older for the Merrimack Valley Players production of 12 Angry Jurors at the First Baptist Church, 30 Park St., Methuen. All candidates must bring a resume, headshot, a list of all rehearsal contacts and a 1-2 minute dramatic dialogue. Call backs and read through will be Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. Rehearsals will run Feb. 8 through April 17, Monday and Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tech Week is Monday, April 12 through Thursday, April 15. Performances are Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Adams Memorial Opera House in Derry. For more information, contact Chad Dow at 978-914-5383 or email info@merrimackvalleyplayers.org.

Families

HHS college recruiting presentation: Former New England Patriot Brent Williams will speak about collegiate athletic recruiting at the Haverhill High School Auditorium on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 6:30 p.m. Free. Williams will focus on the recruiting process and will include subjects such as: When the recruiting process begins, how college coaches discover talent, evaluating prospects, the various scholarship options and steering away from relying on your coach for all potential opportunities. His son, Brendan, was a highly recruited high school student-athlete out of Catholic Memorial. Brendan just finished his freshmen year on the University of North Carolina football team. This will be a great opportunity to hear from a parent who has had a child go through the process of college recruiting at the highest level. For more information, contact HHS Athletic Director Garin Veris at 978-374-5732.

Friday Night Friend-Zee: At the Arc of Greater Lawrence, a party for Middle School and High School kids on Friday, Feb. 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the West Middle School, 70 Shawsheen Road in Andover. Arc members, $5. Non-Arc members, $10.

Pentucket Workshop Preschool open house: A registration and open house for perspective families will be held on Monday, Feb. 8 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The school is located at 22 Pleasant St., Georgetown. Children are welcome. Meet the staff, tour the school and learn about the curriculum. Visit www.pentucketworkshoppreschool.org for more information. Applications will be accepted beginning in February for September 2010.

Fit 'n' Fun after-school program: At Cedarland Family Fun Center, 931 Boston Road, for children in grades one through five. Indoor and outdoor activities vary by season. Call program director Beth Bailey at 978-373-1596 for registration, transportation and cost information.

Happenings at the Haverhill YMCA

Pre/post natal exercise class for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth are Mondays at 4:15 p.m. and Thursdays at 1:15 p.m. Classes feature extensive warm-up and cool down along with pulse monitored aerobic portion and strength and flexibility exercises. Cost is $35 for members and $53 for others.

Gymnastic classes are offered for children ages 1 and up, including fun Parent and Tot classes for children under the age of 3. Children can experience tumbling, hanging and swinging on the bars, balance beam walking, parachute play and other fun activities. Starting at age 3, gymnastics basics are introduced through fun and exciting techniques. Classes build on basic skills and advance to competition team levels.

School Vacation Fun Days feature supervised activities and themes in the pool, gym, gymnastic center, rock-climbing and activity rooms. Full and half day rates are available.

Friday Fun Night is from 6 to 9 p.m. for children in grades 1-4 and features supervised and themed usage of the pool, rock wall, gymnasium, volleyball court and gymnastics center, dodge ball tournaments, face painting, crafts, tumble track and trampoline and more. Pizza and a drink is included with registration.

Saturday Y-Night is from 6-9 p.m. for children in grades 5-8 and includes the use of the pool, gym, gymnastics, rock climbing and the Youth & Teen Center and features gladiator tournaments, gamer tournaments, demos rock band and more. Participants have the freedom to move and choose what they are interested in. Pizza is $1 per slice.

For more information about any of these programs, call the YMCA at 978-374-0506 or visit online at www.northshoreymca.org.

Haverhill YMCA offers winter programs: The Haverhill YMCA is accepting registrations for its winter program sessions. Children can participate in many fun activities, including swim lessons, gymnastics classes, sports, floor hockey, rock climbing and dance.

To meet your fitness goals for this year, the YMCA has new and updated cardio equipment. Nautilus, strength training, and over 40 group exercise classes are included in the fitness program. There is a $5 joiner fee.

The YMCA camp kick-off will be held Jan. 30. The event includes information about camping, fun activities, plus savings and give-a ways to those who register for camp on that day.

The YMCA's third annual parent/child Valentines Dance will be held Feb. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost is $10 per family for Y members, $15 for non Y members. The dance includes refreshments and games as well as pictures of fathers and daughters and mother and sons. The YMCA is at 81 Winter St. For more information, call 978-374-0506, ext. 130. You can also e-mail fullert@northshoreymca.org. Visit online at www.northshoreymca.org.

Ways to Give

Children's clothing needed: Ruth's House, a nonprofit, nondenominational thrift store, has a dire need for infants clothing, especially infants to 24 months, boys and girls summer clothing, all sizes. Winter clothing is not being accepted at this time. Also needed are pots, pans, dishes and household items. Ruth's House also needs volunteers to donate as few or as many hours as possible. Donations may also be dropped off for the Sacred Heart food pantry at Ruth's House. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will be issued receipts for their gifts. Donations may be dropped off at Ruth's House, 30 Lafayette Square, on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 978-521-5575.

Book fundraiser: The First Church of Christ Bradford is raising money through the collection of new and used books, videos, CD's, DVD's and audio books. Donations may be dropped off in the gray container in the back parking lot of the church, 10 Church Street, Bradford. No encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers and catalogues please.

The church will be paid on an ongoing basis for all items collected in the donation container and all funds raised will benefit the general funding of the church. In addition, many of these collected books will be donated to schools, libraries, sent overseas to the troops and sold in book sales to benefit local nonprofit groups. For more information, call 978-396-6026.

Help sick or injured pets: Donate to Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley to replenish its fund to save sick or injured cats and dogs. Visit www.insiderpages.com/fundraisers/Animal-Rescue-Merrimack-Valley. Restaurant reviews result in donations to animal charity. Donations can also be made online at www.armv.org or by mailing a check to ARMV, P.O. Box 8006, Bradford, MA 01835.

Host families needed: Academic Foundation for International Cultural Exchange seeks community representatives and host families. Information, Anne Ring, 866-462-3423 or visit www.afice.org.

Kids Helping Kids: Students and their families at Little Sprouts Child Enrichment Centers are accepting gift donations for Debbie's Treasure Chest, a charity developed by three adopted girls, ages 8, 11 and 12, which targets the "forgotten kids" in state Department of Social Services custody. To donate, e-mail jtodisco@littlesprouts.com. For more information, call 781-929-2858.

Vehicle donations needed: Anyone who would like old cars removed from their yards free of charge, or would like a quick alternative to selling or trading their vehicle, can donate them to various organizations in the community. The Haverhill Boys and Girls Club is running a car campaign to raise money to help sustain its various programs through donations of unwanted vehicles. To donate a vehicle, call 1-800-246-0493. If your vehicle is accepted, it will be picked up free of charge in just a few days. The fair market value of the donation may be considered a charitable contribution for income-tax purposes. For the Melanoma Foundation, everyone who donates a car or truck, running or not, will get a receipt for a tax deduction. To make a donation, call Cars Helping America at 866-949-3668 and specify that you have a car to donate to the Melanoma Foundation. Your car, truck or camper may be worth more as a donation than a trade in and will benefit blind and vision impaired persons in Massachusetts by donating to Massachusetts Association for the Blind. This is a free tow, quick pick up and tax deductible. For more information, call 888-613-2777.

Places to Visit

Public Library hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays. For more information, call 978-373-1586 or visit www.haverhillpl.org.

The Haverhill Firefighting Museum, 75 Kenoza Ave.: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday and group visits are available by appointment. For more information, call 978-372-4061.

John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace: Open Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.; Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students under 18 and a $10 maximum for a family. For more information, call 978-373-3979.

The Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historical Society: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Tours by appointment only. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 7 to 17 and free for children 7 and under. For details, call 978-374-4626.

Other

Haverhill Republicans to hold delegate caucus: The Haverhill Republican City Committee will hold a delegate caucus to elect delegates to the Republican State Convention on Saturday, Jan. 23 in the Technology Center, Room TC103AB, on the Haverhill campus of Northern Essex Community College. Registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Doors close at 10 a.m. Delegate selection is at 11:30 a.m. The state convention is April 17 in Worcester. Any registered Republican as of Dec. 1, 2009, is eligible to be a delegate. The person must be a resident of the ward in which they are selected. The voter status of all participants will be checked at the door for accuracy. Delegates are elected by ward committee members only. Proxy votes are prohibited. A person not need be present to be elected. In the event of poor weather, the event will be held Jan. 30, same place and time. For more information, contact chairman Jack A. Roy at 978-314-9189.

Dog licences available: Dog licences for 2009 are available in the City Clerk's Office in City Hall. The fee for all male and female dogs is $20 and the fee for all spayed female and neutered male dogs is $15. Application forms are available online at www.ci.haverhill.ma.us. Click on the link to "Departments" and then "City Clerk." Please provide a current rabies vaccination record and spaying/neutering certificate when licensing your dog. Late fines will be charged for the time the dog is not licensed starting at $10 after May 31, $15 after June 30 and $25 after July 31. For more information, call 978-374-2312.

The Haverhill Cultural Council invites all Haverhill arts organizations to submit notice of events to the council's Web site: www.ci.haverhill.ma.us, under "Human Services Department." To submit events or for information, call 978-374-4500, ext. 31, or e-mail culturalcouncil@cityofhaverhill.com.

Affordable housing units: Three discounted condominiums for low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers at Riverside Place, Washington Street. Sold for $181,395. Call Richard Lynch, Community Action, 978-373-1971 for income restrictions and information. Applications available Community Action office, 145 Essex St.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteers needed: The Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge needs volunteers to help staff The Plover's Nest gift shop and bookstore at the Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center. The store is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers needed to help customers and act as cashiers during those times. Training will be provided. For more information or to volunteer, call Kate Toniolo at 978-465-5753.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. For more information or to register for an event, call 978-465-5753 or visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov. All programs are free but space is limited and advanced registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Registration is not complete until you have received confirmation from a staff member.